Iran Establishes LNG Research Institute

Iran has established an LNG research institute in a bid to boost capabilities of domestic producers and engineers in this area.

Ali Vatani, the Iranian vice president for scientific and research affairs is to chair the institute, Shana news agency reported on December 6.

Meanwhile, Saeed Pakseresht, the director for research and technology at the National Iranian Gas Company, told Shana that the first mini LNG pilot plan will be implemented.

The institute will act as a bridge to connect universities with industries, he said.

Managing director of the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) Hamid-Reza Araqi announced on November 24th that Iran is negotiating to launch five LNG projects within the next three years, a move that aims to increase its share of the global market.

Moreover, Rokneddin Javadi, the head of the National Iranian Oil Company sees Iran joining the elite club of LNG exporters in the next two years.

The first Iranian LNG unit has yet to come on stream. The project is being implemented and is currently 60% physically completed. The project will be completed pending the removal of sanctions to import necessary equipment and structures.

This plant’s capacity is projected to be 10.5 million tons per year and it is estimate it will earn the country more than $7 billion annually.